Dogs suffer from several ailments. Among the most common is bloating. It can be fatal if your dog does not receive treatment immediately. It is important to know the signs and symptoms when your pet needs help.

What Is Bloat in Dogs?

Bloating in dogs occurs when their stomachs fill with food, gas, or fluids. Bloating makes their stomachs expand, putting pressure on other vital organs. The increase in pressure causes several problems, among them difficulty in breathing. It hampers the flow of blood to the hearts and lining of their stomachs. It may also result in a tear in their stomach walls.

In extreme cases, bloating can cause gastric dilatation volvulus. It is where your dog’s stomach twists or rotates. The twisting traps blood in your dog’s stomach, blocking it from going back to some areas of the body, including the heart. In most cases, this can lead to your dog going into shock.

Symptoms of Bloating in Dogs

The signs and symptoms of bloating are not the same for all dogs. Some symptoms may be difficult to see if you are not a vet. Some of the most common signs and symptoms include:

• Excessive drool – Bloating causes your dog to produce profuse amounts of saliva.
• Hard or swollen abdomen – The swelling of the abdomen resides behind the ribcage of your dog.
• Restlessness – Bloating causes mental, physical, and metabolic distress.
• Difficulty in breathing – Reduction of the chest size leads to this symptom. The metabolic abnormalities happening in your dog’s body also contribute to this.
• Fruitless retching – This is where your dog tries to vomit, but nothing or very little comes out.
• Upright, with elbows pointing outwards.
• Whitish mucus membranes.
• Increase in heart rate.
• Collapsing.

Factors That Increase the Chances of Bloating in Your Dog

Bloating is most common in large or giant breed dogs. The dog breeds with the highest risk of the condition are Great Danes. Another important factor involves inheritance. If the mother suffers from the disease, your pup has a higher chance of getting the disease. 
 

To reduce the possibilities of the disease, avoid feeding your pet once a day in a large meal. Also, avoid feeding it dry foods high in oil or fat. Other contributing factors include age and stress.

How to Prevent Bloating in Dogs

The ideal way to avoid gastric dilatation volvulus in your dog is by having them undergo preventative gastropexy. Also, watch how and what you feed your dog. Change their feeding times from once to multiple times a day. Avoid dry foods that have oil or fat as part of their ingredients. Instead, go for a dog diet rich in carbs and protein.

Is Bloating Survivable?

Gastric dilatation volvulus is among the most serious dog illnesses. If you do not seek immediate veterinary assistance, your pet may die. Early diagnosis of the condition may increase your pet’s chances of survival. The surgery after diagnosis gives your dog an 80 percent chance of beating the disease. 

If you suspect that your dog is bloated, visit Highland Veterinary Clinic at our office in Evansville, Indiana. You can also call 812-710-4300 today to book an appointment.